This psalm is part of book 2 of the Psalms. This may have been a "responsive reading" type of psalm, in light of the switch from singular to plural pronouns as I will note later. This psalm conveys grief and sorrow as well as frustration and perplexity over God's failure to help them. (Ross) Note how each unit grows progressively shorter.
1) We know what God has done in the past and it builds confidence—44:1-8 2) But it seems like God is not answering our prayers now—44:9-16 3) So, for now, we are confused—44:17-22 4) But we will continue to pray to the Sovereign One—44:23-26 • Even though life is hard, they know to Whom they should turn. 5) Things we need to remember: a) Even in times of adversity and frustration when God seems inattentive, be reminded that God takes pleasure in His children (44:3) and deals with them in loyal-love (44:26). b) Sometimes it feels like faith and faithfulness go unrewarded. In a world ruled by a moral God we have an expectation that virtue will be rewarded, and an element of surprise when it is not. (Alec Motyer) c) Unanswered prayer is a challenge for all believers. There is tension that believers must learn to live with when it seems that God is not helping them. But faith must not be abandoned. We must continue to trust and pray, even though we don't fully understand His ways.
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By God's amazing grace alone, Phil was drawn to salvation in Jesus Christ as a college freshman. He began his pastoral ministry as an assistant pastor (working specifically with youth and music) in 1983 while in seminary. He became the senior pastor here at Calvary in December...
